Boeing has announced significant new orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. On Monday, the aerospace company revealed that it has secured orders for up to 80 of these planes, signaling a rebound after facing competition from Airbus during the fallout from the Boeing 737 Max incident earlier this year.
Boeing’s head of sales operations, Brad McMullen, expressed appreciation for the continued partnership with Japan Airlines, highlighting their decision to select the 787 Dreamliner as part of their fleet modernization efforts. The orders were unveiled on the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event for the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners with an option for 10 more, while Korean Air has committed to purchasing twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 jets, also with an option for 10 additional 787-10s.
This development follows earlier reports indicating Airbus made inroads with both Japanese carriers. In March, it was reported that Japan Airlines purchased 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking a noteworthy shift as it was the first time the airline bought a single-aisle aircraft from a competitor. Meanwhile, Airbus had also secured several orders for wide-body jets from Korean Air, which has primarily operated Boeing aircraft.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, stated that the company is honored by Korean Air’s selection of Boeing’s largest and most efficient widebody airplanes. She emphasized Boeing’s long-standing role with the airline over the past 50 years and noted that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will help support Korean Air’s long-term sustainability goals and growth.